Pool Noodle Mini Golf
Using a pool noodle as a golf club, children push their ball along the ground into hoop "holes" spread around the space. They practice controlling force with a tool and choosing their route.
How to play
- Show the golf club: noodle in both hands, feet apart, gentle swing (2 min).
- First hole: from the cone, tap the ball until it's inside the hoop (3 min).
- Play the holes in any order you like, no rush (4 min).
- Bridge holes: the ball goes between two cones before entering the hoop (3 min).
- Last soft tap, the ball stops in the hoop, and we sit down next to it (2 min).
Rules
- My noodle stays low, near the floor.
- If someone is at my hole, I wait or find another one.
- I tap softly so the ball stays in the hoop.
- Everyone plays their own ball.
Variations
Easier
For 3-year-olds, big hoops close by; sweeping the ball with the noodle is fine.
Standard
For 4-year-olds, short taps from the cone to the hoop.
Harder
For 5-year-olds, count the taps they need and try fewer next time.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a shortened noodle and holes at the child's level, on a table with a rim if needed.
- Visual impairment: hoops with bells and an adult giving verbal directions.
- Autism: a fixed course marked with numbers or colors.
Learning goals
- Push the ball with a tool while controlling force.
- Choose a route.
- Stay focused on a precision task.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Pool noodles: 25
- Soft balls: 25
- Hoops: 8
- Cones: 8
Teacher tip
This is a calm activity, perfect after a very active one. Keep holes away from walls so balls don't bounce toward other players.
PatioLab has "Pool Noodle Mini Golf" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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